Scott Helberg is senior tax advisor for RSM US LLP, driving insights in the firm’s Chicago-based middle market real estate industry practice. He was selected as senior analyst in the firm’s cutting-edge industry eminence program, which positions senior analysts to understand, forecast and communicate economic, business and technology trends shaping the industries RSM serves.
As senior analyst for the real estate industry, Scott helps middle market real estate investors move forward with confidence. He has extensive experience advising clients on tax compliance needs for a variety of real estate entities. His clients include real estate investment trusts (REITs), opportunity funds, joint ventures, and family offices. He advises on structuring and compliance for real estate clients, and consults on matters such as REIT suitability analysis, state and foreign withholding considerations, and tax-exempt investor issues. Additionally, he gives guidance on the acquisition, development, and disposition of various real estate projects across a range of product types (multi-family, commercial, industrial, senior living, etc.), and he represents clients before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other state taxing agencies. He is a thought leader on REITs, having written and presented extensively on the subject.
Scott’s interest in real estate was sparked by his family’s ownership of several properties around the Chicagoland area. Through that experience, he understands that investing in a unique and limited resource like real estate is full of complexities. Scott leverages his knowledge and talents to help clients understand their investment strategy and accomplish their goals to maximize returns for themselves and investors. He uses data-driven analytics in combination with anecdotal evidence of working with clients to bring together a holistic approach to solving issues. His talent lies in translating complex technical information into understandable strategies that are usable and helpful to clients.
As a proud husband and father of two girls, Scott is active in RSM’s Family First, STAR and Interfaith employee networking groups (ENGs). Outside of RSM, Scott is a member of the Next Generation Board at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C and is actively involved with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
A lifelong Cubs fan, Scott applied to be a Cubs season ticket holder when he received his first email address as a teenager. He was on the waiting list for 10 years and is now a proud season ticket holder, thrilled to attend the first World Series game at Wrigley Field in 71 years.
